Bayley Hazen Blue is a natural-rinded blue cheese made with whole raw milk. Jasper Hill Farm makes batches every other day, primarily with morning milk, which is lower in fat than afternoon milk. Ayrshire milk, their specialty, is particularly well-suited to the production of blue cheese because of its small fat globules, which are easily broken down during the aging process. The paste of a Bayley Hazen is drier than most blues and the penicillium roqueforti takes a back seat to an array of flavors that hint at nuts and grasses and in the odd batch, licorice. Though drier and crumblier than most blues, its texture reminds one of chocolate and butter. Aged between four and six months, Jasper Hill developed this recipe by starting with a Devon Blue recipe, changing its shape, and altering the aging process to end up with an edible rind.

Bayley Hazen is named after an old military road that traverses the Northeast Kingdom. The road, commissioned by General George Washington was built to carry troops to fight the English on a Canadian front. Though no battle ever took place, the road brought Greensboro its first settlers and continues to be used.

I scoured the site for a blue to teplace my all-time favorite, the stellar Aussie offering, Roaring Forties. I ordered two 8 oz. Baley Hazen based on the reviws. Upon seeing it in the package, I was ecstatic... well-marbled, and creamy yellowish - just like RF. * sigh * Hate to be so negative, but if you're looking for an almost totally tasteless blue, this is your baby. Shared it with our blue cheese loving family members at Christmas, but nobody would take so much as a second bite. I'm gonna put it in a suet feeder for the birds... will at least give them some desperately-needed calories.

By Betty Tfrom Frankfort, KYon Jul 08, 2013

Bayley Hazen Blue

Love this cheese. It's one of our favorites as a snack with a glass of good wine...just melts in your mouth like butter! It makes a wonderful salad dressing, too. Will order again.

By Chrisfrom Wisconsinon Oct 21, 2012

The BEST blue cheese I've ever had.

I can't begin to tell you how awesome this is. I wish I could give it a ten...but the ratings only go up to five.